What is a Cappfinity verbal reasoning test?
The Cappfinity verbal reasoning test is set by employers as a means of pre-screening candidates in roles where literacy, comprehension and communication skills are really important.
Companies including BT, Deloitte and Lloyds use Cappfinity tests.
Some of the questions are based around passages of text that you’ll need to read thoroughly before answering multiple choice questions. The answers you can select will be either ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘cannot say’.
The other kinds of question on the test include:
- Drag and drop — fitting responses into different categories by dragging and dropping.
- Drop downs — select the correct answer from the drop down menu.
- Edit passage — input the correct answer yourself. These questions are usually reserved for correcting spelling and grammar.
- Rank — rank the given responses according to a set of criteria.
The test is designed to see how well you can process information, the strength of your comprehension skills, and whether you can separate fact from inference.
The adaptive test (this means the better you’re doing at answering the questions, the harder they get) is not timed, allowing candidates to move through the questions at a pace that suits them. However, the overall time it has taken you is accounted for and helps to determine your overall score, so it’s important that you work on getting your speed up.
On a Cappfinity test, you’re also able to move back and forth between questions to ensure you’re happy with the answers you finally submit.
Example verbal reasoning questions
Here is an example of a verbal reasoning question on the Cappfinity test.
For the response below, please indicate which of the original messages it would be best to reply with, based on the style of communication.
‘Here’s the latest copy of the analysis you wanted. Hope it comes in useful with your decision-making. Let me know if you guys need any more help or info.’
- Thanks for getting this finished off so quickly. I’m really pleased to have your support on the project. Great work.
- Many thanks for your continuing commitment, the analysis you have provided will allow us to make robust and defensible decisions.
The correct answer is a, because it matches the relaxed and informal style of communication used in the original message.
Tip 1: Get to grips with the basics
Before taking any practice tests, it can be really helpful to read through the verbal reasoning basics to get a solid understanding of the type of questions you’re likely to be asked, and how you need to think in order to answer them correctly.
If there’s anything you’re unsure of, you can read more about it or ask someone for help.
Starting with the basics before practicing past tests ensures you’re in a better position to get good marks and feel proud of yourself, and it starts your revision off on the best foot.
Tip 2: Practice past tests
Practicing past Cappfinity tests is the best way to prepare yourself for the test that matters.
Not only will it help you improve your speed and accuracy, it’ll also boost your confidence as you’ll start to recognise the type of questions you’re being asked, and the best way to go about answering them.
Once you’ve finished a test, make sure you go over your results to see where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Any questions you got wrong are areas for improvement, and will help you focus your revision.
Tip 3: Set up a suitable work environment
The environment you work in is really important.
If possible, try and set up a desk somewhere quiet, well-lit and free from distractions.
When you’re revising or taking a practice test it’s good to make sure you have everything you need before getting started, including water and a clock. It’s also worth removing distractions such as phones and devices to ensure you can focus.
Tip 4: Think outside the box
To avoid getting bored and switching off from the important task of practicing for the Cappfinity test, it’s advisable to try and think outside the box and find new and exciting ways to prepare.
You could ask a friend to put together some verbal reasoning style questions on a passage from your favorite book, try a word puzzle game or take on a family member at a spelling challenge.
Tip 5: Read the questions carefully
Often, the wording in the Cappfinity tests is designed to trip you up or confuse you. So it’s really important to read every question carefully to ensure you’re not jumping to conclusions, and that you fully understand what’s being asked of you.
If you don’t understand what you need to do the first time, take a deep breath and read the question again, or try and break it down into smaller chunks.
Tip 6: Answer every question
Unless a test is negatively marked, it’s never a good idea to leave a question unanswered. This is especially true on the Cappfinity test, where you’re able to move back and forth through the questions and revisit anything you’re unsure of.
If you don’t know the answer, don’t panic. Try and make an educated guess by discounting any options you know to be incorrect and making a judgment call on what’s left.
You can always return to the question at the end of the test for another go if you’re not happy with your final answer.
Tip 7: Don’t worry too much about the clock
Although the test isn’t timed, you’ll be aware that your overall time will form part of your score. However, that doesn’t mean you should get hung up on the clock.
The most important thing you can do is answer the questions correctly, so try and focus on the task at hand without worrying about anything else.
If you’re concerned you’re spending too long on a problem, fill in an answer and move on.
Tip 8: Get a good night’s sleep
The night before the test, try and get a good night’s sleep by going to bed early and removing any distractions from your bedroom.
It can help you sleep if you know you’ve got everything ready and you have all the information you need to take your test.
If you’re going into a center then make sure you leave ample time to get there and you’re sure of the route. If you’re taking the test at home, check your internet connection and make sure you have a quiet space to work.
Tip 9: Go back to difficult questions
The great thing about the Cappfinity verbal reasoning test is you can move forward and backwards through the test.
This means if you’re struggling on a particular problem and feel like you’re spending too long on it, you can move on and revisit it at the end. But remember, it’s always worth putting an answer in just to be on the safe side.
Often, returning to a tricky question gives you a different perspective and sometimes means you can answer it easily the second time round.
Tip 10: Try and stay calm
Taking any test can feel overwhelming. If you’re getting stressed or starting to panic, take a deep breath and stop for a second.
Remember all the hard work you’ve done and allow yourself to refocus. Read the question again and see if you can have another go at it. If it’s still not clear, make an educated guess and move onto the next problem.